Interplanetary Real Estate, Darth Vader and Contentment
[The following is an excerpt from the upcoming FMU Success Prep Study Guide, TOP10 Marriage Tips for Smart Singles: Part 1]
In 1 Tim 6:6-8(NAS), Paul says, "But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content."
Paul appeals to us to change our expectations. Instead of determining that we will only be content once we find the trophy spouse, achieve financial independence and obtain perfect health (or have 1.5 kids, buy a home or whatever else you have on your list), he says lower your expectations. Be content with food and clothing.
As we consider this, we can’t ignore the fact that financial independence and perfect health are completely out of reach of the vast majority of the world’s population. Indeed, these goals are so lofty as to not even cross the mind of most of the world’s inhabitants. And not just today, but throughout the history of mankind.
Imagine if I told you I couldn’t be content until I completed the first real estate development on Pluto, and sold it at a 500% profit to Darth Vader. First, you’d tell me that Darth Vader is dead; and even when he was alive he wasn’t into real estate. Then you’d tell me my requirements for contentment were far too high and I was in serious need of lowering my expectations. That’s how the billions of people living on less than a dollar a day would feel about our discontentment.
MJ
In 1 Tim 6:6-8(NAS), Paul says, "But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content."
Paul appeals to us to change our expectations. Instead of determining that we will only be content once we find the trophy spouse, achieve financial independence and obtain perfect health (or have 1.5 kids, buy a home or whatever else you have on your list), he says lower your expectations. Be content with food and clothing.
As we consider this, we can’t ignore the fact that financial independence and perfect health are completely out of reach of the vast majority of the world’s population. Indeed, these goals are so lofty as to not even cross the mind of most of the world’s inhabitants. And not just today, but throughout the history of mankind.
Imagine if I told you I couldn’t be content until I completed the first real estate development on Pluto, and sold it at a 500% profit to Darth Vader. First, you’d tell me that Darth Vader is dead; and even when he was alive he wasn’t into real estate. Then you’d tell me my requirements for contentment were far too high and I was in serious need of lowering my expectations. That’s how the billions of people living on less than a dollar a day would feel about our discontentment.
MJ
posted by Future Marriage University at
3:31 PM
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